Keeping Healthy In Your 20s

Being a young adult is a great time in your life and you should be able to live it to its fullest, but it’s important not to get carried away and forget about your long term health. When you’re twenty-something you’re probably not too worried about the side effects of getting older, but what you do in this decade might determine your health in later years, plus you’re still vulnerable to a number of problems. There are plenty of tips to keep in mind as you go through the various life changes this time is likely to bring you, so here are our top pointers for maintain your physical and mental wellbeing in your 20s.

Maintain a healthy diet

Eating healthily can make a massive difference, and over the years this difference will only become more apparent. Eating well now will dramatically reduce your chances of developing complex problems later, such as diabetes and heart disease. Getting plenty of vitamins and nutrients from your food is important, although you can take supplements where necessary to support this.

Exercise plenty

This, in conjunction with the healthy diet, will be the most important factor in staying physically fit and well throughout the decade. While you are still young and able to push your body, ensure you make the most of it, boosting your overall fitness and strengthening your muscles. Exercise makes it much less likely that you will lose control of your weight or be diagnosed with various illnesses later in life.

Take safety seriously

Don’t get complacent when it comes to your own personal safety and that of others around you. Wear a seatbelt whenever you’re on the road, don’t use a mobile phone when you’re driving, and certainly avoid alcohol when driving. Although this is all advice we’ve heard hundreds of times at this point in our lives, it’s still important not to forget these considerations. Avoidable accidents are still a major cause of deaths in this age group, despite widespread awareness.

Check your family medical history

Your family medical history will tell you a lot about what conditions to watch out for, as many serious illnesses are at least partly genetic. Heart disease and diabetes, as we mentioned earlier, are examples of conditions you’re more likely to get if other people in your family suffered with them before. Make sure you know of any trends from the past you can get checked early and take action if needed.

Get regular medical checks

You should visit a doctor or healthcare professional at least every two years when you’re in your 20s. Blood pressure monitoring is very important for a range of reasons, as well as having your blood tested for levels of sugar and cholesterol. Looking after your teeth is very important at this stage, as is your vision. Many people develop eye problems in their 20s which can be corrected before they get worse with age. Men should consider having a testicular cancer exam, while women should visit a gynaecologist for smear tests and any necessary pre-natal advice.

Look after your mental health

Your 20s can be an enjoyable time but there is also a lot of social pressure at this age. Getting a good work-life balance as you progress in your career can be difficult, but it’s essentially for maintaining your mental wellbeing. Don’t overwork yourself or get stressed out with the idea that you have to get everything in order and start acting like an older adult once you hit a certain age. If anything feels wrong in your life and is leading you to have too many negative thoughts, you still have plenty of time to make changes and this will probably be a lot more healthy. Remember to make time in your life for positive activities, having fun and relaxing, as well as pushing yourself take on new challenges when you’re in good health.